Trails: Aboriginal & Heritage

Western Australia's history dates back more than 40,000 years with a rich Aboriginal history, making it one of the oldest lands on Earth.

Australian Aboriginals were the original inhabitants of Australia. They lived a nomadic existence, moving within fairly well-defined geographic regions, as they followed the seasons and food sources.

European explorers came much later, and while it is widely believed that Portuguese sailors plied the waters as early as the 1500s, the first recorded European visitors in Western Australia's history were the Dutch in the 1600s.

Western Australia’s heritage is linked to its places, buildings and the people who lived here. Early convict craftsmen helped build much of our State, and Perth’s town Hall, Fremantle Prison and the Fremantle Roundhouse are testament to their skill. Many of the early accomplishments no longer exist and many of the settlements have been abandoned but the stories remain and the impact they have on the Western Australian attitude is alive and well today.

Heritage trails and sites across the State tell colourful stories from the gold rush and whaling days to pearl farming and outback sheep stations. Many of WA's towns have heritage trails and more will be added to this site over the coming months....